Brussels, 24 November 2011 - The European Commission has asked Finland for information on how it has transposed a European directive on promoting clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles. The request takes the form of a reasoned opinion under EU infringement procedures. If the Member State fails to inform the Commission within two months of measures taken to ensure compliance with EU law, the Commission could refer the case to the European Court of Justice.

The EU rules

Directive 2009/33 requires the public sector to use its purchasing power to promote clean and energy-efficient vehicles. Every time public authorities purchase a vehicle for public transport services, they will need to take into account energy consumption, CO2 emissions and pollutant emissions over the whole lifetime of vehicles. The obligation extends to all purchases of road transport vehicles by public authorities or by transport operators charged with public service obligations.

The aim is to stimulate the market for clean and energy-efficient vehicles and to prompt development and investment by the industry. Increased sales will help reduce costs through economies of scale and will result in progressive improvement in the energy and environmental performance of the whole available vehicle fleet.

The reason for today's action

The Commission has decided to act against Finland as it has not yet communicated how the European directive has been transposed into national law. Member States were required to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this directive by 4 December 2010 and to inform the Commission.